WATER-SUPPLY TO THE GOLDFIELD.

Kumara Times, Issue 1619, 5 December 1881, Page 2

WATER-SUPPLY TO THE GOLDFIELD.

PUBLIC MEETING AT KUMARA.

A public meeting, convened for the purpose of taking into consideration the important question of increased watersupply to this goldfield, was held at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening.

Mr Ambrose Creber was called to the chair. Ho stated that the meeting was announced to be held in order to again urge on the Government the ne-

cessity of increased water-supply,

Mr J. S. Peark said it was not necessary for him to say much, nor comment upon a subject which may be said to be worn threadbare. The resolution he was about to propose would explain all that was necessary. He moved “ That in the opinion of this meeting the Government should be advised of the urgent necessity of at once proceeding with the consti notion of No. 2 reservoir, Kapitea Creek, as the water available is ,-altogether inadequate to supply the present, demand, the recent dry weather reducing the water in the Government race to a few heads, causing a great loss to the district and to the revenue of the country. And that the reply from the Mines Department to the resolution forwarded from the public meeting held at Dillmau’s Town does not meet the anxious expectations of the miners of the distiict."—Applause.]

Mr A. C. CampbklL said he had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. There could be no two opinions on the question the question was secondary to none; in fact, it was much more important even than the election. There were two good men in the field, and no matter which goes to represent the district, the question of water-sup-ply. was the most important of any. They all knew that the dry weather which had been experienced the last four or five weeks had diminished the supply of water ; and men were going about now with nothing to do. The source of wealth to this place was an increased water-supply. The Government had been very neglectful in this respect. This was the largest goldfield in New Zealand ; every ounce of gold taken out of the ground was of benefit to the place; and the sooner we get an increased supply, the better for one and all. It was necessary to urge on the Government the .immediate-construc-tion of this second dam ; and in view of that he had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. [Prolonged applause.] The Chairman then put the resolution to the meeting, and it was unanimously carried. Mr W. Barnett moved—“ That a copy of the foregoing resolution he forwarded to the Hon, the Minister of Mines, and the County Chairman asking his co-operation in the matter.” He believed that unless an increased supply of water were brought on to this goldfield, many of those who were able would leave the district. There were numbers of mi nets who had already left this district, and who were now positively starving in New South Wales. They would come hack here, but they knew of the scarcity of Water, and would not come. If there were plenty of water, this goldfield could employ some thousands of men. As it is, the miners at. the Larrikin’s cun see nothing hut to go lound and look for work. He would say agitate till you get the water.—[Loud applause.! Mr W. S. Hanna said he would second the resolution with the greatest of pleasure. He considered it would be their duty when the Minister of Mines suould arrive, as contemplated, to force and urge the spending of money immediately. They must also force this matter on the candidates who are seeking election to the House of Represen atives, aud uot vote for either unless

they promise to do. their utmost to get this increased supply of water. He believed 500 heads of water could he used. As Mr Barnett had said, let the ground pay wages, and small wages here wouid he good as compared wiih, what men are getting in other colonies.

Mr P. DuxcS-an (the newly elected County Chaii man of Westland) said he was very glad to be able to attend to say a few words on this important subject, a subject which was important to everyone in the district. The Government were very slow to action in this matter. He knew from their general policy that they were slow in I’eference to the mining interests of the colony. The Government dam was of no use to-day ; he believed there was not as much as two Government heads of water flowing at the present time. Men were walking about idle; and business was stagnant. We must not give tip the question until we get all we require. Incontestible evidence has been given that this field is a large one> and a reproductive one, too, if only a sufficient supply of water were brought on to the field. The money had been voted. This field is a splendid perty, and you must not let the question of water drop, until we have it attended t'>.—-[App ! an e.] It was most important; be believed the oatlay would be productive to the extent of 500 per cent. He would say, Agitate, agitate, until the Government pay at* tention to ns. To put it another way» He was told the construction of the dam was about to be carried out; yet nothing is being clone, whilst there are lota of men to do everything. The vei nment were slow in developing these most remunerative and reproductive works. However, the public had now placed him in an honorable position, and lie hoped he should .always be able to assist them in their mining enterprises.—[Loud and long-continued applause.] Mr Dnngan. theh moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was carried by acclamation. The Chairman remarked that it had been said the Hon. the Minister of Mines would visit this place shortly. He hoped they would all turn out, and let him see that we really do mean that we want what we have been asking for to-night.—[Applause.] The meeting then terminated.